The 10 Best Portable Charcoal Grill Reviews & Top Pick 2020

Last Updated:March 20, 2020

We are living in the time of pack-it-and-go. Music, toys, games, books – it is all about packing every little thing we can to make our life more enjoyable. And from bypassing public grills to tailgating ones, there is something great about having the best portable charcoal grill with you.

In this piece, we will look at charcoal grills that you can carry around when going to camp or any other place. First, we will review the top ten models and then look at a buying guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Portable Charcoal Grill Reviewed for 2019

1. Weber 10020 Smokey Joe Portable Grill

If you want a grill for camping or taking beside the sea, then the Weber 10020 is the way to go. The unit lives up to the expectation and brand and has earned a lot of positive reviews from satisfied users.

What makes it unique is the ability to function as a cookout, tailgate parties, and camping gear. It is referred to as the classic quality grill by travelers around the world and has a 14 inches surface that can prepare three steaks at a go.

In terms of portability, the model measures 15.6 x 15.6 x 9 inches and weighs about 10 pounds. That means you can easily pick it up and carry it whenever you want to head out.

And the product comes with a decade warranty that shows the product is exceptionally durable.

Pros

Easy to clean and use

Start fire easily

Large cooking surface

Cons

Comes with thin legs

2. Weber 121020 Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill

The Weber 121020 might be the right model for you if you want a lightweight grill that you can take from point A to B. It is one of the most affordable machines you can get out there and offers a wide range of function to guarantee value for the money.

One feature is 160 sq. inches cooking surface that holds enough food to feed up to four people. That space is ideal for holding six huge burgers, and the compact design means that you don’t need to use a lot of charcoal.

Besides, its rectangular shape makes it an attractive model that many people will admire when they see it at your backyard. The model doesn’t come with whistles, bells, or gauge, but it still ranks among the top when it comes to the features.

3. Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

The Weber Jumbo is a reproduction of a previous version and comes with better features. Its design is also more attractive and has a vent at the bottom for allowing the air to flow via it.

Another thing, the unit comes with a huge cooking area of 240 sq. inches but its body is compact. It comes with the popular three-leg design that makes it stable when on the surface.

One feature that impresses the buyers is the base and the lid. They feature the same long-lasting coating and are well-constructed to handle frequent use. The cooking grate is also plated, with aluminum dampers on the base – it is rust-free.

Besides, it is easy to clean the Jumbo thanks to the ash catcher that ensures you get all the waste at one place. You also get a ten years warranty on the bowl and lid.

6. Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill

If you want a model that can hold a lot of burgers and still be compact, then this is the gear for you. It can hold nine burgers with ease, making it an excellent grill for a small family.

One-touch cleaning ability makes it effortless to clean the grill and even get rid of the ashes. Another feature that makes it a great model is the porcelain-enamelled lid that resists any form of rust.

There is also a bowl that helps the unit to retain heat, and there is no possibility of it peeling off or corroding. You can use the lid hook to hang it instead of placing it on the floor.

Moreover, you can easily control the temperature using the dampers. That helps you always to have the ideal temperature for cooking your meals.

Pros

Cooking heat retains heat

Easy to clean up

The lid has a hook

Cons

A bit pricy

7. Marsh Allen 30052AMZ Charcoal Grill

The Marsh Allen 30052AMZ is a model for beginners as it takes less than 20 minutes to assemble. It is also a lightweight grill that weighs around 10 pounds, meaning that you can move it around with ease.

In terms of size, it offers up to 157 sq. inches of cooking area and you don’t need to break a bank to afford it. As you will see below, the model gives you two options for cooking.

You can choose to cook directly in the large bottom grate or use the 3-tier adjustable grate. The two are cast-iron and disperse heat well to ensure your food cooks evenly.

There are also handles that makes it easier to hold the grill even when there is fire. And with a temperature of about 500 degrees F, the grilling time is reduced.

10. EVOLAND BBQ Charcoal Grill

You can enjoy your cooking with the EVOLAND BBQ Charcoal Grill. It is the right model for preparing grilled food for family and friends during an outing session.

The model promises you the original flavor of grilled meals and doesn’t use any screws – you can assemble it fast. There is also a mess-fresh ash catcher that makes it simple to clean when you compare it to other models.

Besides, there are five vents on either side of the BBQ that make it easier for the air to flow. The model saves you space, and it has a superb handle that lets you pick it up without much hassle.

You can use the grill when going for picnic, trail, party, meet, beach, camping, backpacking, and other places. It is also of high-quality due to the stainless steel construction.

Pros

Gives tasty foods

Comes with lots of vents

For all-purpose

Cons

Slightly standard model

Portable Charcoal Grill Buying Guide

What things should you consider when buying your grill?

Cooking area – You will get different sizes but of importance is to know the number of people who will be eating the food. Again, a large surface area might make the model be less portable.

Durability – The durability is determined by the quality of the material used to construct the grill. A model made of stainless steel is more durable compared to others made of low-quality content.

Airflow and vents – Portable charcoal grills are slightly complicated when controlling the airflow. They come with vents that help to move the air evenly.

Lid – You should also consider getting a model that comes with a lid as it will preserve the heat. That means your food will cook better if you cover it as opposed to when it is left uncovered.

Burning area – A unit with a bigger burning surface keeps the fire away from the briquette and grates. There is less chance of your food being burnt.

Weight and size – You should get a lightweight machine that you can carry from one place to the other without any hassle. The weight will be determined by the burning area and the cooking surface.

Ash cleaning – We all want a unit that is easy to clean. Some models come with an ash catcher that makes it easier to clean.

Stand and legs – They act to provide the stability of your grill. If possible, get a unit that comes with legs since it will be easier to move around.

There are other things that you should consider, such as your budget and what you will be cooking. Of important, get a lightweight machine that will do the job effectively.

In Conclusion

Now it is your turn to go to the market and pick the best portable charcoal grill that will satisfy your needs. All the models we have reviewed above are of high-quality, lightweight, and offer value for your money.